Evil can be terrifying because Satan is real and downright evil. His sole purpose is to kill and destroy. He hates all those who love God and will do whatever it takes to weaken or obliterate their faith in Jesus. The Hebrew translation of evil is something that causes harm, misfortune, trouble, danger, destruction, or injury of any kind.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them” (John 10-12).
Being terrified that Satan is going to kill you or someone in your family while at the same time saying that you trust God with your life does not mix. When we stop trusting God, anxiety, not peace, directs our every thought. When we know the Word of God, and through a continual prayer life, we can be confident our Lord will guide and protect us.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamps against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arises against me, yet I will be confident…For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:1-3,5).
The fear of living in a dark and scary world cannot be minimized. It wreaks havoc with our minds, our bodies, and our relationships. Only God can heal such fear. Paul is very specific in detailing exactly how to confront our fears and how to experience the peace of God.
“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4: 5-9).
We must acknowledge that living the Christian life is anything but easy; it takes determination and discipline to overcome such fear. Jesus gave His life to forgive us for the evil we have done. He also provides us with the strength and wisdom, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to overcome sin and the fear of death. As a Christ-follower, the Holy Spirit fights battles against the darkness that we, without God, could never resist.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:10-13).
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
For those who choose to walk and trust in God through prayer and His Word, God gives us, confidence, through the Holy Spirit, to know that God is in total control and will see us through all circumstances.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).